My last big run before the race resulted in me looking like this.....in a cold compression therapy sleeve. YIKES!!

I need all the prayers and luck I can get to finish this race that is now just 1 week away!

Don't forget me on January 9th.

In the meantime, I'm continuing the cold therapy and have made an appointment with the doctor for a cortisone shot on Monday. It seems bad, but it can't be compared to treatment for cancer. My pain will last a few days and hours; it is nothing compared to anything Carson and those like him have had to go through.

Thanks again for all those who've been so supportive of my efforts. Thank you seems quite inadequate, but it is the only word I have.

Note to Self:

Glide Heat is not the same as regular Glide. It does not help with chafing!! Do not think that you can do can do your 20 miler in Ocean City, on a treadmill, in a running skirt, while using this product. You will only do 13 instead and then have to stop due to your war wounds.

Next time you travel, take the regular Glide.....and USE it!!

I'm in the final push now! The long runs are getting really long - and unfortunately, the weather is starting not to cooperate.

My fellow teammate Marina and I did 17 long, cold, windy miles on Friday. I'm sure glad she was there to distract me for those 2 hrs and 55 minutes! And the knee, only hurt a little bit. YEA!

This Thursday, Dec. 9th, is our final fundraiser. Please come out to Joe's Pizza and Pasta on Lee Highway in Arlington and have a great meal. Mention this fundraiser and 15% of your bill will go towards Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It can't get much easier than that!

Thanks again to all those who have helped us!! Your support sure helps me train and, in the long run, it will help find a cure!

2 Hours 18 Minutes

That's how long it took me to run my 14 miles this weekend. The first 4 miles I had lots of company....my friend Sue, her dog and my dog. The next 3 or 4 miles I just had Sue; and by mile 8 it was just me and my Ipod. (In Sue's defense....she was suffering from a stomach bug. I'm amazed she made it as far as she did)

The knee felt good the whole run. It was a little sore the rest of the day - as were my legs. The good part is that I'm back up to 14 miles and not near as bad off as I was the last time. Now I push on to the finish, just about 6 weeks away.

Thanks everyone for continuing to support my efforts. As you can see, I've raised my fundraising goal again. This week, a friend I knew from Florida had her 7 year old son diagnosed with ALL. It made me even more committed to eradicating the phrase "your child has leukemia" from existence. No parent should ever have to hear that phrase.

Please take a moment to donate if you haven't done it already. And, if you're feeling inclined to donate again.....follow your feelings!

Below is a picture of me in one of my running outfits. What does it take to get a 14 miler in on a frigid 32 degree morning? Stability shoes (to keep the knee in place), running tights, running skirt stuffed with sport jelly beans, long sleeve shirt, fuel belt with Gatorade, gloves, Garmin watch, ear warmer, hat and my Ipod. Makes me tired just listing it!

So, things are improving with my knee, sort of. I worked back up to my regular mileage the week before last - it ended with a 12 miler on Sunday. My knee felt pretty good most of the time.

I went to the doctor the Monday afterward. I told him my knee was about 75% better and then, after examination, he said "I think you need to get a cortisone shot."

"In the KNEE?", I asked.

So I had one, in the knee. Per instructions, I also laid off from all high impact exercise for a few days.

And guess what else went on this week.... in the follwing order

a new roof installation

the continued night time activities of the flying squirrels that have invaded our attic and seem too smart for the traps

2 children with birthdays

my parents visiting

a visit to Children's hospital downtown for Francesca to upgrade her insulin pump

a visit to the ER later that night(morning) with Carson for an ear infection

a birthday party for Carson

a visit to our dear friends who lost their 12 yr old son suddenly in the overnight hours of Friday and Saturday

a second visit to the ER on Sunday for more IV antibiotics for Carson

and evening at church to hear both children sing in their respective choirs

So guess what? I've only run about 3 miles this week! But my knee sure feels good!!

I'm told by those who have finished the marathon that I'll be alright. I hope they're right. This week I'm going to get back to running!!!!